Episode Details

The Mining Insider — July 4, 2026 Iran / Hormuz — Funeral Freeze: Six-day funeral for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began July 4 in Tehran, 15-20 million mourners expected. All US-Iran negotiations suspended until July 9. UK PM Starmer and French President Macron pledged Hormuz protection with Oman; France deployed mine-clearing assets. Iran warned both countries off any military presence. Brent below $71/bbl approaching pre-war levels. Canada-BC Cooperative Prosperity Agreement: PM Carney and BC Premier Eby signed a landmark resource agreement July 2. $500M to expand Red Chris copper mine (Newmont/Newcrest), targeting 15%+ increase in Canada's annual copper output. Accelerated permitting for LNG Canada Phase 2, Ksi Lisims LNG, Cedar LNG, Woodfibre LNG. $3.9B North Coast Transmission Line. Alberta separately announced a proposed $35-44B oil pipeline Bruderheim to BC coast, expected as project of national interest by October 1. MMG-Anglo American Nickel Brazil: MMG and Anglo American extended the acquisition deadline for Anglo's Brazilian nickel business to October 31, 2026. EU Phase 2 antitrust review on hold since November 2025. Includes Barro Alto and Codemin ferronickel facilities. MMG is Minmetals-controlled. DRC Cobalt Customs Deadline: ARECOMS July 5 deadline arrives today. Customs platform frozen since July 1. 60-75% of producers unable to file. Up to 20,000 metric tons ($1.1B) at risk. CMOC awaiting one-month extension response. Glencore (Kamoto) watching. Sources: Reuters, AP, CNBC, Investing.com; Resource Works/Globe Newswire; MLex/Law360; Reuters/Kitco. Host: Logan Ore — The Mining Insider.